Sebastian's Secret: The Dragon Guardians, #1

By Felicity Brandon

From USA Today Bestselling Author, Felicity Brandon, comes a dragon shifter romance series enveloped in her signature dark romance.

 

Four dragon brothers with a mission.

One dangerous secret they're sworn to protect.

 

My father's legacy haunts me.

 

Bound to find a mate from birth,

I resist romance at all costs.

Until she crashes into my life.

With her sharp tongue and dazzling eyes,

Rebecca Monroe is one woman I can't say no to.

 

But then I discover who she really is—

The sister of our greatest rival.

The one woman I shouldn't crave.

 

How can I trust her with the Vaughn family secret?

But how can I bear to let her go?

I'm doomed to fail whichever path I choose,

But one thing is certain.

The redhead with the come-to-bed eyes is mine.

Whatever anyone says.

 

Sebastian's Secret is book one in The Dragon Guardians series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Felicity Brandon
• Release date: May 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215391129

Felicity Brandon

Felicity Brandon is a USA Today Bestselling author. She loves the darker side of romance, and writes sexy, suspenseful stories, with strong themes of bondage and submission. You'll find her either at her laptop, the gym, or rocking out to her favourite music.

Book preview

Prologue

Sebastian

STRETCHING HIS WINGS, the mighty dragon glided through the expanse of blue sky, soaring over the snow-covered mountain tops. Fireside—the peak they called home—was in view as he lifted his head to the sun.

What am I going to do?

The question echoed around his mind as he drifted to a plateau in the snow, burying his claws into the white terrain. The foothills were breathtaking, but the weight of Sebastian’s burden made it difficult to exult in the natural wonder. He had to make a decision, and he was rapidly running out of time.

‘Sebastian!’

His name resonated through the air, although that wasn’t really true. In reality, Sebastian heard the word in his mind, the communication telepathic as was possible between all dragons. Glancing up at the beast landing beside him, Sebastian recognized the owner of the gravelly tone.

‘Draco.’

The auburn creature settled a few feet away from him, turning as he touched down.

‘Did you tail me?’

Sebastian couldn’t believe the nerve of his younger brother. He’d headed out to the peaks for solitude, not to be plagued by his sibling.

‘Of course.’ Draco’s grin revealed rows of razor-sharp teeth. ‘What else are brothers for?’

Fabulous, Sebastian muttered aloud as the noise of a new set of muscular wings drew his attention into the atmosphere again. Looking up, he saw the azure dragon circling above them. ‘Cole?’

Naturally, both of his younger siblings had seen fit to follow. Well, of course they have. Cole landed with lithe grace, his attention shifting between both of his brothers.

‘What are you both doing here?’ Sebastian couldn’t hide his irritation.

You need to talk, Cole replied, stating his case out loud as he strode over to Sebastian. That much is obvious.

‘I need time to think,’ Sebastian snapped, although he regretted his sharp tone. Draco had a reputation for mischief, but Cole was a good friend as well as his brother. Maybe both had only come to offer counsel?

‘What is there to think about?’ Draco shook his huge head, his crimson eyes glaring. ‘Are you still brooding about Dad’s offer?’

Offer? That wasn’t how Sebastian would have described the rigid deal. Yes.

‘For goodness sake.’ Cole’s reply was a sigh, lost on the whipping breeze.

"I wouldn’t call it brooding,’ Sebastian argued. More like sulking or actively denying its existence.

It depressed him that as the second eldest of four sons, he hadn’t handled their father’s proposal more elegantly, but he couldn’t wrap his head around what their dad demanded.

Why? Draco blurted the word, glancing away and sending a stream of flames cascading from his throat. ‘What is the issue?’

‘I don’t like being blackmailed.’ Sebastian’s claws dug deeper into the snow, confirming his hurt. That was how it seemed, as though his own father was coercing him.

‘Blackmailed?’ Draco’s gaze was wild as he turned back to his brothers. ‘What an overstatement!"

‘Look.’ Cole’s tone was calm and surprisingly mature considering he was the youngest. ‘You don’t have to sign the contract, Sebastian. Dad just wants to make sure that his money is secure. That’s all.’

Money.

Sebastian bared his teeth at the concept, staring over the edge of the ledge as though taking on the deathly drop would help him.

Damn his money.

It was a curse that their father, Michael, had hindered them with and his blasted legacy meant it would be one that outlived him.

‘He doesn’t want to give up the money,’ Draco sneered. ‘That’s what his problem is.’

That’s. Not. It! Sebastian punctuated each word into the air with a fiery snarl, but Draco only laughed, the sound bouncing off the nearby mountains. Fury furled inside Sebastian at his brother’s contempt, the worst of it was knowing that Draco might even be right. Why should Sebastian give up what was rightfully his—and a quarter of Michael Vaughn’s wealth was his—but equally, why should his father get to dictate that he wed from beyond the grave? The quandary was infuriating and had hounded Sebastian for weeks, but the time was coming where he would be forced to resolve it once and for all. ‘I don’t want to be forced to marry.’

It wasn’t right in their day and age.

‘He’s not choosing who you marry.’ Cole edged toward Sebastian. ‘Only that if you want to inherit your share of his money, then you choose someone—eventually.’

Cole had a gift for making everything sound reasonable, but it didn’t extinguish Sebastian’s outrage. Their father had no right to ask this of him, nor any of the four of them.

‘I don’t like it,’ Sebastian grumbled, acknowledging how petulant he sounded. It occurred to him that even though he was older, he wasn’t behaving that way. ‘And I told Father how I felt.’

Glancing away, Sebastian recalled the volatile conversation. Apparently, his derision had come as a surprise to their father, Michael. Apparently, Sebastian should have known better.

‘How did that go?’ Cole’s tone was knowing.

‘About as well as you’re probably imagining.’ Sebastian answered. ‘It seems I inherited my stubbornness from Dad.’

Though that might be the only thing he inherited if he didn’t cede to Michael’s will.

‘Just sign it,’ Draco growled, rolling his eyes. ‘The contract doesn’t even come into effect until Dad dies, and even then, who’s going to know if you break the terms?’

Now, that was more like the conniving Draco that Sebastian knew so well.

‘Erm, you will,’ Sebastian reminded them, swishing his turquoise tail across the foothill. ‘As will Father’s legal team.’

‘Screw ‘em.’ Fire danced in Draco’s eyes.

‘No.’ Sebastian’s voice echoed with resolve. ‘If I sign, then I’m bound to its terms.’

‘You make everything sound so dramatic.’ Draco’s chuckle goaded. ‘Agree now and then drag your heels.’ Smirking, he edged closer. ‘Maybe you don’t meet the right person for decades... What then? The contract can’t force you to choose.’

Sebastian rolled his eyes, imagining what Balthazar would say if he was present at their impromptu meeting.

‘There’s a clause for that.’ Cole’s voice broke through the intensity, and turning, Sebastian met his eyes.

‘Which clause?’ Sebastian thought he’d studied the papers in detail, but seemingly not as well as his youngest sibling.

‘Clause 8.8,’ Cole replied. ‘Buried right at the end of the information.’

Sebastian’s nostrils flared. Trust their father to hide the devil in the details. Perhaps he had been hoping they wouldn’t notice.

What does it say? Sebastian asked aloud, his whirling frustration making it difficult to direct his telepathy.

‘That we each have to marry by the age of forty-five, and if we don’t...’ Cole’s voice was lost to the mountain wind as his words trailed away.

‘If we don’t, then what?’ Draco barked, evidently concerned that his original plan for denial of the contractual terms might be doomed to disaster.

‘If we don’t, then we lose our claim to the Vaughn legacy.’ Cole’s head lowered as though he was somehow responsible. ‘No money, no properties, and no access to other assets.’

Nothing? The word echoed around Sebastian, whipping from his left to his right until it was trapped in the spaces between them. We either sign, or he leaves us with nothing?

‘Yes.’ Cole’s gaze met Sebastian’s. ‘That’s about the size of it. It seems this is pretty important to Dad.’

‘So important that it’s worth losing us over?’ Sebastian inhaled as he sent the question to his brothers. He couldn’t imagine walking away from his father, his family, and from everything he’d ever known, but then he’d never felt as strongly about anything before.

‘I agree it’s bananas,’ Draco replied. ‘But let’s not lose perspective, Seb. You’re great with women and you always said that you wanted to settle down, didn’t you?’

Sebastian had said that. Even as a small child he had envisaged what his future bride would be like. ‘Yeah,’ he admitted. ‘I thought I wanted that.’

‘Draco’s right.’ Cole’s tone was softer. ‘This isn’t such a stretch for you.’

‘It’s about the principle,’ Sebastian responded, but even as he did, he sensed where his determination might wane. Although he despised what the contract stood for, Draco was right. He had always wanted to marry. If he signed, then he just had more impetus to make that reality happen. ‘I don’t like being compelled.’

‘None of us do,’ Draco’s voice was cold. ‘It stinks’.

‘I hate to be the bearer of bad news.’ Cole turned toward home. ‘But the sun is starting to set and Father will be waiting.’

Sebastian stared at a distant peak that was home to their mountain lodge. Michael would be there with Balthazar, wondering where his remaining sons were. It was time to make his decision.

‘What will you do?’ Cole probed.

‘He doesn’t have a choice.’ Draco peered back at them as he leapt into the air and rose on the passing air torrent. ‘None of us do.’

His words were scarcely audible as he flew toward home, but Sebastian felt their meaning even when he was nearly out of sight.

‘Draco’s right.’ It pained Sebastian to have to confess it, but his regret made it no less true. ‘It would kill Dad if I refused, so...’ His voice dried up as he contemplated what it meant.

‘It’ll be okay,’ Cole soothed as he took flight. ‘We’re all in the same boat. We’ll make it work.’

Watching Cole fly away, Sebastian realized that there was solace in that fact. He shared the same fate as all of his brothers, but still he couldn’t get past the unnerving sense of coercion. Michael was taking away their personal choice, removing the one freedom that every man and woman should have—the right to decide whether they chose a life partner or spent the rest of their time in this realm alone. He acknowledged that now, whenever he met a woman, the question of his ‘lack of choice’ would always be there, taunting him, tainting the romance, and corroding whatever chance of happiness they had. Unlike Michael Vaughn, whose mortality ensured that he would one day pass to the next place and rejoin their mother, his father’s contract would never abandon him. It would always be there, guiding and constricting Sebastian’s free will.

I’ll sign, he resolved as he edged toward the precipice of the rocky ledge. I’ll sign, but I’ll never be on board; I’ll never agree.

Stretching his wings, he arched into the breeze, ready to take flight. From some distant place in his mind, Sebastian prophesized the future that was sprawled out ahead of him. Maybe he’d find a woman, fall in love, and fulfil the contract with ease, or perhaps, as the tension tightening in his stomach predicted, the lingering sense of ‘having to commit’ would haunt him, making it impossible to ever let down his guard and meet the one.

Leaping forward, he coasted on the breeze, permitting it to lift him into the air. Whichever outcome awaited would be sealed with the signing of the contract, creating a pact that would form his family’s legacy.

Chapter One

Sebastian

Four years later

SAPPHIRE LIGHT FLOWED across the dance floor, illuminating the hordes of pulsating bodies. Glancing down from the balcony, Sebastian watched their animated forms with a tinge of jealousy. Even as a younger man, he’d never been much of a dancer, but at thirty-four years old he envied their lithe movement.

See something you like? Cole’s lips curled as he put down his drink, the weighty bass of the music thrumming from the speaker behind him.

At just before midnight, Club Indigo was heaving with excited party-goers.

No. Shaking his head, Sebastian met his gaze. The immense room below them was filled with beautiful men and women, but none of them interested him.

No? Cole’s brow rose before he peered over the gallery and decided for himself. I’d be happy to help a few of them out of their slinky dresses. He smiled, revealing a line of near-perfect white teeth. Maybe a few at the same time.

Go ahead. Sebastian gestured to the gyrating throng, their hips dancing backward and forward as if they were members of a salacious dance platoon. I’ll watch from here.

What’s up, Seb? Cole’s tone was playful. How come you never want to indulge? Don’t tell me abstinence is your preferred style?

Not exactly. His youngest brother was putting two and two together and coming up with five. I’m just not in the mood.

Fair enough. Rising to his feet, Cole tugged down the lapels of his striking tan suit. Like Sebastian’s brother, Cole’s attire exuded youth and confidence. Excuse me, I’m off to play.

Have fun, Sebastian answered. I’ll see you tomorrow.

Sipping at his gin and tonic, he watched as Cole made his way down the winding silver staircase to the dance floor. Their father’s wealth and family name meant they had access to luxury and privilege that few others did, so Sebastian had the benefit of relaxing with the few other V.I.P.’s, away from the pulsing pit below.

Staring over the gold rail, he couldn’t help but grin at Cole. His brother moved with such ease and purpose that it was clear why the sultry brunette he passed turned to give him a second look. Nudging her blonde friend, they followed Cole as he slipped through the swarm, one attractive woman on either side of him. Sebastian doubted he’d be going home from the club alone.

Is this seat taken?

Glancing up from his brother’s playground, Sebastian was surprised to see a woman hovering over the seat Cole had departed.

Excuse me? he asked, eyeing the way her red dress clung to her curves.

I said, she repeated. Do you mind if I sit down?

Dazzling blue eyes drilled into him, her expression exasperated as if she couldn’t believe he was making her ask twice. Based on how gorgeous she was, Sebastian could understand why. He peered quickly around the area to see if Cole’s was the only chair free, but based on his brief reconnaissance, the beauty had plenty of other choices.

Where are my manners? Motioning to the empty seat opposite, Sebastian met her alluring gaze. Please do.

Thank you. Taking her place, she placed her wine flute on the table between them and slid one slender leg over the other, her gaze expectant.

Oh gods. Fingers gripping his glass a little tighter, his heart raced as he looked at her. Yes, she was delightful and apparently eager to get to know him, but this was precisely the kind of occurrence he’d stayed away from the heaving crowds to avoid.

Women were wonderful and Sebastian didn’t deny how aesthetically pleasing the latest specimen was, but he liked to keep his distance. Getting involved in romantic entanglements had been proven to be problematic, but he’d been raised too well to permit the strained silence to continue. The gentleman in him compelled him to speak.

Are you enjoying your evening?

Yes. The redhead’s lips twitched. I saw your friend leave and decided I’d like to join you.

You’re very welcome to.

Wait—what? Why had he said that? He’d left Cole to play alone precisely because he didn’t want to interact with beautiful, enticing women, so why was he giving this one the impression that he craved her company? It was, he supposed, for the same reason he’d had a string of meaningless sexual relationships since he’d signed his father’s contract. Sebastian never wanted to be rude or callous to the opposite sex—he truly did adore them—but he equally sought no more than casual dalliances. It was better to be single.

My brother chose to join the masses. Sebastian signaled to the jam-packed dance area.

While you prefer personal space? she added, leaning forward for her drink and offering him a gratuitous glimpse of her ample cleavage.

That’s right.

Momentarily transfixed by her assets, he inhaled and glanced away. This was not what he’d come out with Cole for and he knew it. It was allegedly about spending time with his brother and unwinding, though the choice of location had been Cole’s, and not Sebastian’s. He shouldn’t let Cole’s departure tumble him into such a deep and glorious rabbit hole.

What’s your name? Apparently unfazed by Sebastian’s jittery responses, she pressed on.

Sebastian, he answered, compelling himself to meet her eyes. They really were the most incredible shade of blue he’d ever seen—like something from a movie. And you are?

He didn’t know why he asked. It didn’t matter what her name was.

Rebecca. She flashed him a tempting smile.

You look lovely in that dress, he told her, conscious of his willpower slipping through his fingers.

He hadn’t intended to snare an enthralling woman, but when one presented herself so flawlessly, was it right that he just ignore her? Their father had always taught his sons about the importance of manners and it was surely discourteous to disregard her.

I look even better without it. Rebecca didn’t even flinch as she sipped at her wine, eyeing his response carefully.

I bet.

Sebastian’s compliment wasn’t unfounded. She looked ravishing, and though he never instructed his limbs to move, he inched closer, imagining how soft her skin would be against his.

Wanna see more? Swirling her wine around the glass, she ran her tongue over her glossy lower lip. It was one of the most provocative gestures he’d ever seen.

Well, do I?

His body said yes—there was no doubting that, his cock swelling and eager to see everything—but his mind, knowing better, resisted.

Don’t do it. You know how this ends, Seb and you know it must end. Women get too attached, want more than you can give.

But nothing about Rebecca’s body language, from her knowing smile to her tempting gaze, spoke of a clingy and emotional individual. She wasn’t the type of woman who’d fall for an aloof guy in a sharp suit. In fact, every fiber of her being screamed that she was an intelligent, sensual being who knew what she wanted.

Who was he to deny the lady what she yearned for?

I’d love to. Draining his glass, he waited as she did the same. Do you live somewhere nearby?

I’m staying at the Ritz-Carlton, she replied, rising on her skyscraper heels and taking his outstretched palm. "We